In North Carolina, when a worker is killed in a workplace accident, his widow and children typically are entitled to receive worker’s compensation death benefits. However, the situation can be very complicated when the worker dies while unmarried. In 2018, we held a full evidentiary hearing before the North Carolina Industrial Commission and successfully obtained […]

In August of 2016, we were associated by an out-of-state attorney regarding a motor vehicle collision that occurred in North Carolina over a year earlier. The collision was caused by a vehicle owned by a landscaping company, and the insurance company for the landscaper had refused to engage in settlement discussions, claiming that the driver […]

We successfully litigated a personal injury claim for a 74 year old woman who was savagely attacked by three dogs in her own yard, and obtained a $1,000,000 judgment in Wayne County Superior Court. Our investigation revealed that the owners of the dogs and the home where the animals were kept had no insurance and […]

Riddle & Brantley are the most amazing, sweet, professional, patient, understanding, knowledgeable, well, I guess you can see what I think of them. My case was settled exactly one year to the day of the accident.

I really enjoyed how Riddle & Brantley worked with me through this whole process, always with a kind voice and the smiles were so inviting. This allowed me to know that I picked the right law firm for my case.

Regardless of your job, there are potential hazards that can cause serious injuries. As a result, most employers are required to have workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation insurance ensures that employees are fairly compensated for their workplace injuries without having to file a lawsuit against the employer. It is important to remember that you are […]

For most people, the only time they interact with an attorney is when something bad has happened to them such as an injury or a car accident. While under the emotional or physical pain after an incident, it may not be easy to find an attorney, especially the right attorney, to represent you. You will […]

If you were hurt — physically, emotionally, or financially — due to another person’s negligence, you may qualify for a personal injury lawsuit. Whether someone else can be held responsible is key to determining if you have a case. With enough evidence that someone’s negligence caused your injury, you may be able to reach a […]

Who Is Responsible When the Police Are Involved in a Crash?

It was early morning on July 8th when a call came in to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police. A car had crashed into a building, and three patrol units were responding to the call. However, one of those patrol cars never made it to the crash site, and now a police officer is under scrutiny for potentially negligent behavior.

When the Police Are involved in a Crash, Are Officers Held Accountable?

At 3:20 am, a student at Central Piedmont Community College was crossing the street. He was enrolled in the college’s summer term and was working as an IT intern while taking classes. As he walked onto Morehead Street a CMPD patrol car allegedly struck him at an estimated 100 mph. The speed limit in the area was 35 mph.

The officer, who had his lights and sirens on, suffered minor injuries in the crash and was taken to the hospital. The student succumbed to his injuries while still on the scene.

The 24-year-old officer who was behind the wheel had just finished his one-year probationary period as a new CMPD hire. He was initially placed on paid administrative leave, but has since been charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle. He is now on leave with no pay.

The Police Chief has said that speed was the determining factor in the decision to charge the young officer. He blamed youth and inexperience for the high speeds this policeman used to respond to a call. The family of the victim has yet to make a statement, nor have they filed any lawsuits to hold CMPD responsible.

Back in 2009, CMPD was involved in another fatal collision. The officer in that case pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and received three years’ probation. The mother of the victim received a $700,000 settlement from the city of Charlotte.